FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup, despite a proposal made by a special envoy of former US President Donald Trump. Sources close to world football's governing body confirm that there are no concrete discussions about changes to the list of participating teams.
The situation is taking place in a tense international context, due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. In this climate, Paolo Zampolli declared to the “Financial Times” that he had suggested the involvement of Italy instead of Iran. “As an Italian, it would be a dream to see the ‘Azzurri’ in a World Cup organized in the USA. With four titles, they have the history to deserve it,” he said.
However, FIFA has not given an official reaction to this idea, but has recalled the position of president Gianni Infantino. A few days ago, he clearly stated that the Iranian national team will participate in the tournament "without any doubt."
On the other hand, Iran's reaction has been harsh. The Iranian embassy described the proposal as a sign of the "moral bankruptcy" of the US, emphasizing that sporting successes should be achieved on the field and not through political influence. According to a statement published on the X network, the attempt to exclude Iran also shows fear of the country's sports representation.
According to the Financial Times, Zampolli's idea also had a diplomatic dimension, aiming to improve US-Italy relations following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's criticism of Trump.
In Italy, the proposal has been met with negative reactions. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgietti called it “shameful,” while Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stressed that such a scenario is “neither possible nor appropriate,” adding that qualification is only achieved on the field. The president of the Italian Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfilio, also spoke out against it, emphasizing the principle of sporting merit.
Italy, four-time world champions, have failed to qualify for the third time in a row, after being eliminated in the play-off stage by Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
Meanwhile, Iran will play in the group stage against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, as well as against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament will start on June 11 and is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to FIFA regulations, the organization has the right to make decisions in the event of a team's withdrawal or expulsion, but so far there has been no sign of such a development. Infantino stressed that sport must remain separate from politics and that Iran "won the right to be part of the World Cup on the pitch."
Iranian authorities have announced that they are "fully prepared" to participate, despite previous security concerns.
Lini një Përgjigje